LONDON: The suspected fake goods were seized at the Sunday market, in the car park of Western International Market, which operates separately from WIM’s daily marke.
A huge haul of suspected fake designer goods has been seized in a raid on a west London market.
Suspected knock-offs of brand names including Ralph Lauren, Luis Vuitton, Mulberry and Gucci were among more than 3,000 items seized at the Western International Sunday Market, in Southall, on July 26, according to the council.
Three people were arrested under the Trademarks Act 1994 after police and Trading Standards officers from Hounslow Council swooped.
Two properties in Southall were also searched, where more goods and cash were seized.
Experts from the genuine brands have been drafted in to investigate the cache of clothing and accessories and, if they prove to be fake, the council says it will push for prosecutions.
The Sunday market operates from the car park of Western International Market, in Hayes Road, on the borders of Hounslow and Ealing boroughs, but is separate from the famous daily fruit and veg market.
Richard Foote, Hounslow Council’s cabinet member for community protection, said: “Fake goods may look like a bargain, but they are often found to be of substandard and in some cases, for example with electrical goods and cosmetics, they can be dangerous.
“Supplying and dealing in counterfeit goods is a serious offence. Not only do those caught risk losing their stock, assets, such as vehicles and their homes, but the maximum penalty for dealing in counterfeit goods is 10 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine.”
The Sunday market had been under surveillance for weeks as part of Operation Genuwim, which involved five members of Trading Standards and 11 police officers.
